UN calls for ‘credible’ elections in Iraq

NEW YORK - The UN’s top representative in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, called Tuesday on Iraqi officials to ensure the “integrity” of the October 10 parliamentary vote.

“The failure to hold credible elections would cause significant, lasting, widespread anger and disillusionment, which in turn could further destabilise the country at a time where strength and unity are desperately needed,” the UN official warned.

“I reiterate my call to all Iraqi stakeholders to uphold the integrity of the electoral process,” Hennis-Plasschaer said during a Security Council meeting on the country.

“These elections were a central demand of the protest movement; and yet, many of its members continue to be persecuted with rampant impunity,” she continued.

Anti-government demonstrators took to the streets by the tens of thousands last year to demand political change and an end to endemic corruption and poor services.

More than 500 people were killed in the protests as security forces used live rounds and tear gas to disperse crowds. Since then, a widespread campaign of assassinations, kidnappings and threats has rocked the country. Some 30 activists have been killed and dozens abducted, according to Iraqi authorities.

Hennis-Plasschaert lamented that many members of the protest movement “continue to be persecuted with rampant impunity,” citing “the tragic example” of the assassination of prominent activist Ihab Jawad al-Wazni by unidentified gunmen just two days ago in Karbala.

“Political pressure and interference, intimidation, and illicit financial flows are all most harmful to the credibility of elections, and hence to turnout,” said Hennis-Plasschaert.

“Candidates, campaigners, the media and voters must be free to exercise their democratic rights before, during and after the election,” she added.

Last July, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi announced that early elections would be held to meet their demands. But Iraq’s cabinet voted in January to postpone the balloting for four months, until October, after the electoral commission sought the delay for technical reasons.

Hennis-Plasschaert called the October 10 elections “a milestone in the young history of Iraq’s democracy,” saying “a trusted electoral process, with free and wide-ranging participation, can help steer the country towards the safe and prosperous future Iraqis deserve.”

Hennis-Plasschaert, however, insisted that “at this critical juncture, transparency and the rule of law must prevail” and every voter, candidate, journalist and activist must play their part.